POLICE are launching an annual event to promote responsible dog ownership.

For several years the Durham force has run BikeWise for motorcycle enthusiasts.

DogWise is the pet equivalent and will be held for the first time at Beamish Museum, near Stanley, on Sunday (June 9).

It is thought to be the first of its kind to be held by a police force. Activities will include police dog displays, canine pursuits, “flyball” demonstrations and gun dog shows. Dog owners will be able to take their pet over a mini-agility course.).

Animal welfare advice will be given by charities including the RSPCA, the Dogs Trust, Guide Dogs UK and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals. The Durham Agency Against Crime’s community safety Labradors, Jet and Ben, will be attending with handler PCSO Claire Kerr.

Sergeant Sue Madsen said: “Animal welfare is at the heart of DogWise, which will become an annual event. “We hope dog owners and other members of the public with an interest in the well-being of dogs will take advantage of the event to learn more about our canine companions.

“The day is also about having fun and dog owners will have the opportunity to join in some of the activities available. “Working police dogs are by nature out-going, playful animals and people watching the police dog displays with see for themselves how this aspect of their characters is developed to get the best out of them.”

DogWise will be officially opened by Durham Chief Constable Mike Barton at 11am and will close at 5pm.

During the event , Paws Up, Durham Constabulary’s Retired Police Dog Benevolent Fund, will be officially launched.

A ceremony will also take place to mark police dog Boscoe’s retirement from the force. Boscoe, an eight-year-old German Shepherd, will be leaving the care of his handler PC Marty Gingell to take up a new life in the country. Sergeant Sue Madsen said: “PD Boscoe has had an exemplary career while serving the public of County Durham and Darlington over the last eight years.

“With the help of the newly- formed Paws Up charity he is now looking forward to a comfortable, well- deserved retirement.” Admission to the event is included in the museum’s admission charges.

Visit beamish.org.uk or call 0191-370 4000.